A sequence analysis of actions in complex system comprehension

Patrick Jeuniaux, Universite Laval

Sebastien Tremblay, Universite Laval

Jean-François Gagnon, Universite Laval

Daniel Lafond, DRDC-Valcartier

François Bernier, DRDC-Valcartier

Abstract

Complex systems have a broad network of relations for which human
comprehension is severely limited and analysts often rely on the support of
technological systems. In this study we investigated whether comprehension can be
augmented by IMAGE  a set of interactive visualization, data exploration
and knowledge representation tools  and explore behavioural signatures
associated with the optimal use of IMAGE. The comprehension and use of IMAGE of
24 participants were examined in the context of a scenario involving military
convoys evolving their strategy according to the reactions of a hostile and
dynamic environment. Comprehension was measured by a score normalized in function
of a randomly generated exploration of the system. A sequence analysis was
performed to extract the pattern of IMAGE-user interaction. Our results reveal a
great diversity across participants and that transitional probability of key
IMAGE events is not related to augmented comprehension in a simple structured
way.